Faisal bin Farhan: Palestinian state and ending occupation are two pillars of regional security
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called for the full and immediate implementation of US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, and to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip. He emphasized that “the realization of an independent State of Palestine and the end of the occupation constitute two pillars of the region’s security and stability,” coinciding with the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation with Syria and Turkey to address shared challenges and support regional stability.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan co-chaired the high-level meeting titled “The Way Forward: One Year Since the New York Declaration and the Comprehensive Peace Plan,” alongside France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He praised the steps taken by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and an increasing number of countries in recognizing the State of Palestine and taking measures to enhance accountability for illegal settlement activities, urging other states that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so.
He stressed the necessity of addressing settlement expansion, settler violence, and annexation policies, while preserving the historical and legal status quo in holy Jerusalem. He also called for rejecting violence, hatred, and incitement by all parties, and for creating an environment conducive to peace and reconciliation.
Regarding Gaza, Prince Faisal bin Farhan underscored the importance of the full and immediate implementation of the peace plan, ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and ultimately unifying the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
He affirmed that security must be based on interdependence and mutual interests, rather than one party’s security at the expense of another. He noted that the Kingdom continues to work with its partners to achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, relevant UN resolutions, and the New York Declaration. This approach aims to end the conflict, guarantee rights and security for all, and open new horizons for stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region.
In another diplomatic move, Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a meeting in New York with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The discussions reviewed areas of joint cooperation among the three countries and promising opportunities to enhance economic and trade collaboration, serving shared interests and contributing to growth and prosperity for their peoples.
The meeting also addressed ways to raise the level of coordination and cooperation and strengthen the capacity to confront shared challenges, reaffirming the importance of continued consultation and coordination, as well as sustained efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.
